The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned actress Tamannaah Bhatia in Guwahati on Thursday regarding a money laundering investigation connected to the ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app. The app is under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding numerous investors by promoting false promises of high returns from Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining.
Tamannaah’s statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the ED zonal office. The 34-year-old actress reportedly received funds for a “celebrity appearance” at an event related to the HPZ Token app, which is currently being investigated for its role in the alleged scam.
Sources indicate that no “incriminating” charges have been made against Tamannaah. She had previously deferred her summons due to work commitments but chose to appear on Thursday.
The ED’s investigation follows an FIR filed against multiple suspects associated with the app, which reportedly lured “gullible” investors with promises of extraordinary returns. According to the charge sheet filed in March, a total of 299 entities, including 76 controlled by Chinese nationals, have been named in the case.
The HPZ Token app was allegedly used by a group of accused individuals to defraud investors. Bank accounts and merchant IDs tied to the app were reportedly established through “shell companies” managed by “dummy” directors to conceal the criminal activities.
The FIR claims that the funds were “fraudulently” acquired for illegal online gaming, betting, and Bitcoin mining investments. The ED’s investigation revealed that investors were promised returns of ₹4,000 per day for an investment of ₹57,000 over three months, but this return was only provided once, leading to further requests for funds.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the ED has conducted nationwide searches, resulting in the seizure of assets and deposits worth ₹455 crore.
